Service Academy Application Timeline

Service academies offer outstanding education and full four-year scholarships. Graduates of all academies receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as officers in their respective Service branches. After graduation, they are obligated to serve a minimum of five years.

Each service academy has its own set of deadlines and entry requirements and acceptance is extremely competitive. This quick refer- ence checklist will orient high school students interested in attending a Service Academy with the rigorous application process.

10 th Grade

In 10th grade, continue focusing on academics, extracurricular ac- To further enhance your competitiveness for admission, the tivities, leadership roles and taking the PSAT. When planning your following courses are also recommended: high school curriculum, keep the following suggestions in mind: • Foreign language - at least two years. • History - one full year of U.S. history and, where possible, To improve your chances of qualification, your high school a full year of European or world history. preparation should include the following: • Introductory computer and typing courses are recommended • Mathematics - four years of mathematics courses, including because all midshipmen are required to use personal comput- a strong foundation in geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. ers in most courses. Courses in pre-calculus and calculus are also very valuable and are highly encouraged. Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate • Science - one year each of chemistry and physics, courses are recommended. with lab if possible. • English - four years of coursework with special attention to the study and practice of effective writing. Surveys of English and American literature are especially helpful as background for the future study of literature.

11 th Grade

Starting in December of your junior year (if not sooner): (either your Representative or one of your State’s Senators) or Take the ACT and SAT exams early and often. If you do not score Service-Connected. We recommend applying for nominations in well on one, take the other. Results are accepted as late as the spring of your high school junior year, and applying for every February of your application year. nomination you are eligible for (one Representative, two Senators, plus the Vice President is four opportunities). Begin contacting the January- April of your junior year: offices of your Representative and both of your US Senators to Complete an application. If you meet the minimum academic request a nomination. Many Congressional members set an early standards, you will be notified that you are an official candidate fall deadline for nomination requests. Check their websites to and you will be given instructions on how to complete the remain- determine their procedures. der of your online application. This is also a good time to find out about your chosen academy’s immersive experience and apply to Each nominating source controls its own process and timeline, participate during the summer after you junior year of high school. however, your nomination is due by 31 January of the year you would enter. Spring of your junior year: • Locate your Congressional Representative or Senators Candidates must have a nomination to attend the U.S. Military • Learn more about applying for a nomination and writing a Academy. There are two types of nomination: Congressional letter to your Representative or Senators June of your junior year to February of your senior The CFA consists of six events: year: Complete your online application, medical exam • Basketball throw (from a kneeling position) (DoDMERB), and Candidate Fitness Assessment. • Cadence pull-ups or flexed-arm hang (women’s option) • 40-yard shuttle run (for time) Medical Exam • Abdominal crunches (number completed in 2 minutes) The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, • Push-ups (number completed in 2 minutes) known as “DoDMERB,” will send you a letter with the location and • 1-mile run (for time) date of your exam. After your exam, the DoDMERB forwards the test results to you. Your grader will submit your score sheet online to the Admissions Office. You can track your medical status here. TIP: Prepare for the CFA by practicing the six test areas. Running, TIP: Take your medical exam as soon as possible! It can take general conditioning exercises, and competitive sports will also several months to get qualified if more information is needed strengthen your abilities. following your exam. If you haven’t been scheduled by DoDMERB by the fall of your high school senior year, contact your regional SAT or ACT with Writing Portion Admissions Officer. The tests must be timed and include a writing score. The SAT includes a writing exam, but if you’re registering for the ACT, select Candidate Fitness Assessment the “ACT Plus Writing” exam to be considered for admission. Typically your physical education (PE) teacher will administer your CFA. If you meet initial qualification, the Admissions Office will TIP: Take the tests as many times as practicable. Service Acade- send you a link to the Candidate Kit which has the test form and mies will super-score your standardized tests. instructions.

12 th Grade

If you have already entered 12th grade, complete a preliminary application as soon as possible. If you meet the minimum academic standards, you will be notified that you are an official candidate and you will be given instructions on how to complete the remainder of your online application. You should be sure to manage your application carefully, paying special attention to deadlines for your individual congressional nominations.